THOMSON has enjoyed his fair share of derbies north and south of the border and can't wait to lead his new club out against rivals United.

KEVIN THOMSON last night revealed he can’t wait to sample the Dundee derby – and show it IS possible to turn on the style amid the red-hot atmosphere.

New Dark Blues skipper Thomson has sampled his fair share of derby experience having starred in Old firm showdowns, the Edinburgh showpiece and in the north-east of England when he was playing for Middlesbrough against bitter rivals Sunderland.

The 29-year-old, who was made captain by boss Paul Hartley following his summer move from Hibs, can’t wait to face Dundee’s city foes live on Sky Sports at Dens Park on Sunday, September 21.

Thomson said: “I must be one of the few who has played in so many derbies so I’m looking forward to it.

“I didn’t realise until after I’d signed and I started talking about it to people that the boys walk down to Tannadice.

“It’s something you don’t even think about, but I don’t suppose we’re going to get a bus, are we?

“I’m not taking it lightly. I’m doing everything I can to lead by example and hopefully I can keep producing the goods.

“I played against Sunderland for Middlesbrough, which is a pretty big derby down there.

“The Edinburgh derbies were great, after being brought up as a Hibs fan they were something special.

“Old Firm derbies are just a bit of a blur to be honest. The magnitude of the games is huge, so I’m not going to be fazed by the Dundee derby.

“And hopefully we can disprove the saying that there’s not much good football played in derbies by getting the ball down and passing.”

Thomson insists Dundee’s slick passing game under Hartley will have opposition sides struggling to live with them.

He said: “The way we’ve got the ball down and passed it has been excellent. We’ll be entertaining to watch.”